2017 Volvo XC90
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD T5, 4dr SUV AWD T6, 4dr SUV AWD T8 PHEV, 4dr SUV FWD T5
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 250–316 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 24 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 194.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,337–5,115 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2017 standard SUV (18.5 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Volvo XC90 is a standard SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 195 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,475 lb (4dr SUV AWD T5).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (24 city / 27 highway), 35% better than the 2017 standard SUV average of 18.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
- Lightest version 1726 lb lighter
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 XC90 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Torslanda, Sweden
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 XC90 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD T5 | 194.9 in | 79.1 in | 70.1 in | 117.3 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,475 lb | 53/47 |
| 4dr SUV AWD T6 | 194.9 in | 79.1 in | 70.1 in | 117.3 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,632 lb | 53/47 |
| 4dr SUV AWD T8 PHEV | 194.9 in | 79.1 in | 70.1 in | 117.3 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 5,115 lb | 53/47 |
| 4dr SUV FWD T5 | 194.9 in | 79.1 in | 70.1 in | 117.3 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,337 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC90 AWD PHEV Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 27 / 25 | +35% | $3,300 | 238 |
| XC90 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 26 / 24 | +26% | $3,400 | 373 |
| XC90 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 25 / 23 | +24% | $3,550 | 384 |
| XC90 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | +19% | $3,750 | 399 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Volvo XC90.
Similar 2017 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Volvo XC90 (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2017 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Audi Q7 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2017 Tesla Model X | 295 mi | Not rated | 10 |
| 2017 Land Rover Discovery | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Acura MDX | 27 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2017 Jaguar F-Pace | 29 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (7)
Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners · Dec 7, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V827000 · 2,911 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
- Risk
- An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10259.
Electrical System › Software · Apr 21, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V273000 · 162 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2016-2020 XC90 Excellence vehicles. Liquid or condensation on the rear seat control display may cause the front passenger seat to move back as far as possible.
- Risk
- The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat without the ability to cancel the seat's movement, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will update the rear seat control display software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10093.
Electrical System › Software · Nov 13, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V800000 · 17,548 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.
- Risk
- If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
Seat Belts · Jun 8, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V370000 · 1,305 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 XC90 vehicles. The Micro Gas Generator (MGG), a subcomponent part used within the right hand side seat belt retractor for the third row seats, may detach after the seatbelt retractor pretensioner is deployed.
- Risk
- Although, the seat belt will operate as intended in the event of a crash, if the MGG detaches, it may be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the third row passenger's side seatbelt retractor, free of charge. The recall began August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89716.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Feb 16, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V104000 · 10,476 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 XC90, S90, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The bolts that secure the Inflatable Curtain (IC) air bags in place may break, possibly resulting in the IC air bag deploying improperly in the event of a crash. As, such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
- Risk
- If the IC air bags do not deploy properly in the event of a crash, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 1, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89714.
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly · Nov 2, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V798000 · 74,027 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 XC90, S90, XC60, V60 Cross Country, V60, S60 Cross Country, S60, and S60 Inscription vehicles manufactured February 16, 2015, to August 22, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt buckle attaching stud may loosen, allowing the buckle to separate from the seat belt bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages" and number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
- Risk
- If the seat belt buckle separates from the bracket, the front seat passenger may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt buckle stud, replacing the seat belt buckle as needed, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89708.
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner · Sep 26, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V690000 · 43,766 vehicles
- Problem
- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Volvo XC90 and S90 vehicles manufactured April 15, 2015 through September 19, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning may leak into the passenger compartment due to a drain hose installation error during manufacturing.
- Risk
- Significant water drainage into the passenger compartment may adversely affect air bag deployment in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- Fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air conditioning drain hose for proper installation, replacing the hose as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on November the 14, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this campaign is R89707.
Not every 2017 Volvo XC90 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Volvo XC90 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 25 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 19 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 7 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Volvo XC90. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XC90 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 XC90 | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 XC90 | 27 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 8 |
| 2025 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 29 |
| 2024 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 37 |
| 2023 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 41 |
| 2022 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 31 |
| 2021 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 42 |
| 2020 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 9 | 34 |
| 2019 XC90 | 25 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 6 | 42 |
| 2018 XC90 | 27 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 52 |
| 2016 XC90 | 25 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 8 | 198 |
| 2014 XC90 | 19 | 189 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →